Musico Electronico y Estoy lleno

Hello everyone-

So I figured since I had a little time- I'd update you all on the last week or so.

Last Sunday, I went to a Electronic Music Festival (called Pazland) in San Jose with my amigo Derek (and fellow volunteer), brother Jesus, and Derek's host sisters Kathy and Daya. What a day. Being in the big city and taking the buses for the first time was such a culture shock. San Jose is a very busy metropolis with a lot of culture and so much to do and see. At the music festival - a couple of ladies approached Derek and I and assumed we were Argentinian for some reason. They were super surprised when I told them we're from the States and said my Spanish is very good. The music was really good and it was interesting to see the type of people that a free concert in the biggest city in Costa Rica attracts. Later- not really knowing exactly what was going on - we were pretty late for Mass that night and rushed to change clothes and basically ran to the church still sweaty and disgusting from being in the sun all day at the festival. I've never been to a Catholic church before, but it was pretty interesting having to sit and stand every 2 minutes and trying to understand the sermon.

(From Left to Right) Jesus, Me, and Derek stopping by El Estadio Nacional on the way to the festival.

All week I've been super busy with Spanish class in my town (San Rafael) and technical training with the rest of the volunteers (about 1.5 hour bus ride to San Jose). I am usually super exhausted by the end of each day from having to think in Spanish for about 6 or 7 hours and also when I get home for dinner. I think (and hope) my Spanish is steadily improving but we shall see.

If you're wondering what my living situation is like, I think I've got it pretty good. I have my own (pretty spacious) bedroom, and share a bathroom with the rest of the family. My mom cooks 3 (muy rico) meals a day for me and the rest of the family. The foods been great, but I really hope I don't get tired of gallo pinto (rice and beans) any time soon because we eat it with almost every meal. The best parts are that our house has hot water AND wifi. I think I may be a bit spoiled and am dreading the day when I move to site and probably no longer have these luxurys.

Tonight my and Derek's families (we're related. My mom is his mom's daughter) got together for a big meal of a type of spaghetti with sausage, salad, and wine to celebrate my and Derek's first week here in San Rafael with them. I love this family. They are so close and have already accepted Derek and I as one of their own even though we don't understand what they're saying sometimes. Tomorrow we are going to some type of club that has pools and other things to do (not sure exactly what it is, but I've gotten used to not really knowing what we're doing).
                                              
 (From left to right: My abuelo, my dad Adrian, my mom Adriana, Aunt Kathy, Me, Derek, and Aunt Daya. At the bottom is my little brother Adrian.)

Also - I have since gotten a chip for my cell phone so you can feel free to call me (best if it's in the evenings or anytime on the weekend). From the States you would dial: 506 8725 0830. If you want to send my letters or a care package, don't use the address I had up before. I've since learned that this PO box address is better and the items are less likely to end up in customs:

Tyler Dickerson 

Cuerpo de Paz

PO Box 1266-1000

San Jose, Costa Rica

Pura Vida!